What captivates audiences about Avatar is often its breathtaking visuals. The intricate graphics, the blue-skinned inhabitants, the fantastical landscapes, and the otherworldly designs—everything in the film feels entirely new and unseen. These remarkable creations are the result of years of hard work by hundreds of talented artists. But few know that an Indian woman played a pivotal role in building the world of Pandora and leading the VFX efforts.

Today, Indian professionals are making their mark globally across various fields, and women are increasingly excelling in areas once dominated by men. Pavani Rao Boddapati exemplifies this trend. Avatar remains one of the most iconic films in global cinema, with two installments already released and the third set to premiere this Friday.

Directed by James Cameron, Avatar is renowned for its cutting-edge visual effects. The stunning visuals were crafted under the supervision of a company called Weta FX, where Pavani Rao Boddapati heads the VFX team. She is among the latest Indian talents to gain international recognition, and she has spoken openly about the dedication and effort that went into these films.

Born in Delhi, Pavani Rao grew up surrounded by her family, including her grandparents. Her grandmother, an artist, would often sketch on any paper available, which inspired Pavani’s own fascination with art. Her journey in visual effects began in 2009 when she worked as a lighting TD for Avatar. “Since then, I’ve been part of Pandora’s universe,” she recalls.

Pavani completed her Bachelor of Architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi and later earned an MFA in Animation and Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She now resides in Wellington, New Zealand, with her husband. She has contributed to all Avatar films to date, including the upcoming third installment.

While her role in the first film was relatively small, Pavani’s team created nearly 3,000 VFX shots for Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). The upcoming Avatar 3: Fire and Ash also features her team’s work, which will soon be revealed to audiences. In a project as ambitious as Avatar, having an Indian woman lead such a crucial department is a remarkable achievement.